J Gumbo’s Voodoo Chicken Recipe

Intro

And, when you have ever entered J. Gumbo’s and had their Voodoo Chicken, you can understand why people come there over and over and over again – it is creamy, spicy, rich, and so comforting. That creamy Cajun gravy sticks to soft shredded chicken and hot rice as a hug of the South.

I remember the first time I tasted it, and I was told to widen my eyes. It had that ideal kick, the kind that does not scald your tongue but the kind that yanks you into being. The flavors were dancing, smoky, garlicky, tangy and containing that New Orleans style of attitude.

Having fallen in love with it entirely, I could not help but recreate it in my kitchen. And I would say to you– this is the J Gumbo’s Voodoo Chicken Recipe Juicy Cajun bliss using pantry goods, some time and a lot of Louisiana pride.

It is not just an ordinary chicken recipe. It is a one-pot wonder, saucy, sassy and full of deep, hearty flavor.

What Is the Voodoo Chicken of J. Gumbo?

Having never tasted it, I will paint you a picture:

Voodoo Chicken is a Cajun-themed meal topped on rice – a slow-roasted chicken in a creamy spicy tomato, bell pepper, onions, garlic, and Cajun seasoning sauce.

It is mildly suggestive, smoke-filled, and full of style. It has creaminess with the sauce and the spice of Cajun– it is the type of food that makes your kitchen smell like you were cooking all day.

J Gumbo’s Voodoo Chicken Recipe was a local legend and the restaurant chain of the famous Cajun and Creole comfort food. This is a homemade edition of this flavor magic – and you do not have to drive to Louisiana to experience it.

The account of my discovery of this.

I can still recall the importance of the first time I tasted the Voodoo Chicken by J. Gumbo. I had gone to visit a friend in Kentucky when she insisted that we should eat lunch there at this small place that had a Louisiana feel. You must eat the Voodoo Chicken, she told her.

As the bowl came, boiling rice beneath a mound of creamy reddish dish, I was interested. One bite later, I was hooked. It possessed that soul-satisfying bit of spiciness that causes you to sit down and sigh.

I could not get my mind out of it a few days later. I desired the same taste, that creamy Cajun magic, in my kitchen. So, I started testing. I experimented with the thickness of the roux, experimented with spice mixtures, and eventually achieved a perfect homemade one.

And now? It is now one of my most ordered meals – the meal that is ordered and disappears quicker than I am able to serve it.

Equipment List

You will not have to spend much on anything fancy, just basic kitchen supplies:

Skillet or Dutch oven of a large size – to create flavor and simmer the sauce.

Wooden spoon – to stir that creamy sauce and rich roux.

Tongs or forks – to peel the chicken.

Knife and chopping board – to prepare those vegetables.

Measurement cups, spoons – to maintain your recipes in the right balance.

That is it, Cajun cooking is not complex, soulful, and has everything to do with the amount of love you put in the pot.

Ingredients

The ingredients you will require to make your J Gumbo’s Voodoo Chicken Recipe include the following:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 oz) can green chilies and diced tomatoes (such as Rotel)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (commercial or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Hot sauce (no), optional (but suggested).
• White rice that has been cooked, to serve.
• Garnish: This can be optional with chopped parsley or green onions.

Instructions For J Gumbo’s Voodoo Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Begin by salting, peppering, and pinching your chicken with Cajun seasoning. Melt butter and olive oil in a big skillet or Dutch oven in medium-high heat. Dust the chicken and fry till golden on each side (it does not have to cook through). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add the onions and bell pepper to the same skillet. Continue cooking over a period of 4-5 minutes until they become soft and begin to caramelize. Add chopped garlic, and cook one more minute– you will begin to feel that your kitchen is going to smell terrific.

Step 3: Build That Sauce

Add tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme and chopped tomatoes. Bake 2-3 minutes to allow those flavors to bloom. Then add the heavy cream and stir until the sauce is thick and rich.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Back

Put your chicken back in the skillet, and nestle it into that yummy sauce. Set the heat to low, cover and simmer approximately 25-30 minutes, until the chicken becomes tender enough to shred.

Step 5: Shred and Thicken

After cooking the chicken thoroughly, shred the chicken into the sauce with two forks. Cover it with an uncovered lid and allow the simmering to continue until you find the sauce to be thick enough. Tasting and seasoning it – sprinkle it with a few dashes of hot sauce in case you want it hot.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the voodoo chicken on a bowl of fluffy white rice. Top Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

Every bite? Creamy, spicy perfection.

Home vs. Restaurant-Purchased.

This is what there is about J. Gumbo’s do it right. Their interpretation is reassuring, luxurious, and rich. But making it at home? And that is where the magic really takes place.

When you prepare this J Gumbo’s Voodoo Chicken Recipe yourself, everything is under your control, whether you like it spicy or not, whether it is rich or not, whether it is tender or coarse. 

Want it creamier? Add more cream. Spicier? Double up on Cajun seasoning. More rustic? Add some more vegetables or chicken thighs.

And the biggest difference? Homemade means no shortcuts. You are caramelizing, seasoning, and simmering with love. The outcome is healthier, cleaner, and equally luxurious – a soul-fulfilling meal that feels like you have been cooking all day (without having to cook).

Why You’ll Love This J Gumbo’s Voodoo Chicken Recipe

• It is light yet creamy, bold.
• It is customizable – it is ideal for spicy lovers or those who prefer light heat.
• Its storage and reheating are so good–leftovers could even be better.
• It is popular among the crowd; be it family dinners or intimate weekends in.
• It introduces the Louisiana comfort that none can know but the Louisiana herself.

Perfect Voodoo Chicken tips.

• It is better to use smoked paprika, as it is going to enhance the taste and make it that warm welcome touch.
• Don’t rush the simmer. The more time it is cooked, the more delicious it is.
• Balance the spice. Season with Cajun spice, a teaspoonful at a time.
• Allow the sauce to thicken. Have no obtrusions with the cream; leave it simmering.
• Serve with rice or cornbread. That sauce is worth something to eat it up!

Make It Your Own

Loaf sausage: Add sliced andouille sausage to add an additional smoky taste.

Make it cheesy: Add in a handful of shredded cheddar or pepper jack prior to serving.

Add vegetables: Okra, corn, or mushrooms go well with the sauce.

Go low-carb: Use instead, roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice.

How to Store and Reheat

Keep leftovers in an airtight box inside the refrigerator for a 4-day period.

To warm up, heat it in a skillet at a low temperature – a splash of cream or broth would be added to loosen up the sauce.

You can also freeze it! Allow voodoo chicken to cool completely and then cut it into freezer bags and freeze it within a period of 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat in the stove on low.

Serving Suggestions

It is a very diverse dish, and can be served with:

• Steamed rice or dirty rice
• Crusty bread or cornbread
• Roasted vegetables
• Collard greens or sauteed spinach.
• One of the creamy mashed potatoes.

Or keep it simple — just a bowl of Voodoo Chicken and a spoon. You will not need anything else, any other really.

FAQs

Q1: Is this possible with already-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! All you need to do is skip the searing step, shred your chicken, and simmer it in the sauce for about 10 minutes.

Q2: Can I make this J Gumbo’s Voodoo Chicken Recipe dairy-free?

Yes – watch coconut cream in place of heavy cream. It provides a beautiful, rich texture with a faint tropical flavor that goes with Cajun spice.

Q3: Is it very spicy?

Not overly! It is better tasting than burning. It is always possible to modify the hot Cajun seasoning by adding mild seasoning or omitting the hot sauce.

Q4: Do I have time to cook it in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Put in all ingredients except cream and use a low burner for 6-7 hours. At the end, add cream and then serve.

Q5: What rice do you recommend serving it with?

Jasmine rice or long-grain white rice is ideal. They drink in that sauce like they’re in a dream.

The Flavor Breakdown

This is J Gumbo’s Voodoo Chicken Recipe, and it is all about layers of flavor:

The foundation: caramelized bell peppers and onions give the foundation its sweetness and depth.

The heart: Cajun seasoning, garlic, and tomatoes make it hot and soulful.

The magic: cream makes all smooth, making a smooth, lush finish.

It is the type of food that causes one to shut the eyes after the first mouthful of the food, relishing the spice, the smoke, the creaminess, and the comfort.

A Final Note from My Kitchen

Preparing this dish is a constant reminder of why I enjoy cooking it is not only about the food, but also about memories, emotions, and the happiness of sharing something warm and nice with loved ones.

When you first taste it with your tongue and it is creamy, spicy, and laced with garlic, you will know why it is referred to as Voodoo Chicken. Something is so charming about it. Something that makes you get interested, makes you take another bite, another…

So get your skillet and play some jazz in the background and make your kitchen smell like Louisiana.

By cooking this J Gumbo’s Voodoo Chicken Recipe, you are also making dinner, as well as comfort, magic, and some voodoo.

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